Category: Press releases

Chicago IL: In spite of the stubbornly freezing blizzard conditions marred by prolonged power outage, the spirited celebrations to honor the India’s Republic Day hosted by Federation of Indian Associations-Chicago [FIA] by no means diminished as more than two hundred guests converged at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows, Illinois on Sunday January 26th, 2014. The celebrations were enthused by infusion of spontaneous ‘Antaskhari’ singing led by a group of ladies who further excited the guests with impromptu dancing to the drum beats. After the restoration of the power, the celebrations took a more formal shape with outgoing FIA president Hina Trivedi thanking the guests for gathering in the spirit of celebration to honor India’s Republic Day. Later, President Hina Trivedi invited two long-standing illustrious community leaders Dr. Bharat Barai and Dr. Ram Gajjela and a community worker Mrs.Yasmeen Khan and presented them with FIA Community Service award for their outstanding yeoman services rendered to the community and for their ardent support to FIA. The awards were jointly presented by Rishikant Singh, Naren Patel, Iftekhar Shareef, Ajai Agnihotri and Gulzar Singh. Iftekhar Shareef, Trustee Chair in his remarks thanked the guests for their gracious presence in spite of the intolerable […]

Washington, DC: Leaders of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) are meeting with several US Senators today, eliciting support for the nomination of Dr. Vivek Murthy as the U.S. Surgeon General. “AAPI is proud to support the nomination of Dr. Vivek Murthy as the U.S. Surgeon General,” Dr. Jayesh B. Shah, president of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), said. “ I am leading a team of physicians today for nine senate meetings to support Vivek.” He added. Dr. Murthy’s confirmation hearing is on Tuesday, Feb 4th at 10:30 am. Joined by Dr. Ravi Jahagirdar, president-elect of AAPI, Dr. Shashi Shah, Dr. Harbhajan Ajrawat, and Dr. Sampat Shivangi, Dr. Shah is on Capitol Hill all day meeting senior US Senators. The nomination has been hailed by the influential Indian-American physician community, consisting of over100,000 strong physicians of Indian origin in the US , who provide health care services to nearly one in every seven patients in the US . “The nomination of Dr. Vivek Murhty as the US Surgeon General cements the reputation physicians of Indian origin have across America ,” said Dr. Shah. “President Obama has made the right choice in naming a highly qualified […]

Chicago IL: Honorable Consul General Ausaf Sayeed celebrated India’s 65th Republic Day On Sunday, January 26, 2012 with leading Chicago-land entrepreneurs and citizens to honor the sacrifices our freedom fighters have made and to remember the work of our Founding Fathers, for giving to us a country where our dignity and individual freedom is assured. He also extended his warmest greetings to all across the country and also to those living abroad. Indian Consulate is located in the heart of downtown at 455 North City front Plaza Drive, Suite No.850, NBC Tower Building, Chicago, IL. The event began at 10 am as the Honorable Consul General saluted the Indian Flag as he held the rope to release the Indian Flag called “Dhhwaj Vandan” to respect and honor the Indian Flag, followed by singing of Indian National Anthem. He also recited the speech given by honorable President of India, Pranab Kumar Mukherji on the eve of Republic day on 25th January, 2014 in India. While addressing the countrymen, the President also notably recognized the contribution of the Indians living abroad. He covered every aspect of India and Indians who are actively engaged in the progress of the country, their achievements, their […]

Chicago IL: Air India (AI) Midwest held its Annual Agent Awards function for about 150 attendees on Friday, January 31, 2014 commencing 6:30 p.m. at Ashyana Banquets, 1620 75TH Street, Downers Grove, IL. In trademark recent creative Air India style each table was named after famed national structures and monuments across India for guests to choose and seat themselves. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of Plaques to Travel Agents, who had generated the most revenue for Air India for Fiscal Year 2012-13. Guests were treated with Entertainment Program, A Quiz, Humorous reminiscence photo presentation. Video, Photography Sessions, Social Hour and Dinner with elegant color shoulder bags for all attendees as a token of appreciation. After initial registration, guests were ushered into a social room with delectable appetizers and cocktails. an hour later with reluctance guests moved to the main program hall upon repeated announcements as they were enjoying the socialising and photography. District Sales Manager Katherine welcomed all and requested Rajesh V, Challam and DJ Nilesh to kickoff the entertainment. Rajesh Challam’s melodious voice belted out famous Bollywood Songs-Old and New. Sanjay Sharma, AI Finance Manager and his wife Deepa took the floor along with others upon […]

Chicago IL: Overseas friends of BJP (OFBJP) and Global Indians for Bharat Vikas (GIBV) organized ‘Walk for Unity’ in Chicago on the occasion of 65th Republic Day of India. The walk commenced at 12:30 PM from North Shore banquet, 2519 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL. More than 200 people attended to show solidarity with the Gujarat government’s attempt to build a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, even though temperature was brutally cold in Chicago. In USA 2 other places, Atlanta and Arkansas as similar event The walk was organized to show solidarity of Non Resident Indians (NRIs) with the Gujarat Government’s initiative to build world’s tallest statue in India the Statue of Unity to commemorate India’s unity in diversity and invaluable contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel towards nation building. Global Indians for Bharat Vikas (gibv.org) aims for Congress Mukt Bharat and for bringing Sri Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of India. This is a USA based forum for NRIs around the globe. This forum is open to all who want to see a change and see hope in Narendra Modi, irrespective of one’s political ideology. India is at a crossroads today. Only till recently the whole world was looking […]

Chicago IL: FIA Chicago IL celebrated 65th Indian Republic Day on Saturday – January 25, 2014 at Meadows Club, 2950 W Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL. It was the first ever time in the history of FIA that the event was free and by Invitations only guests. The celebration included Indian songs, dances, delicious food, a Hindi-play“Dastak” and meeting the invited dignitaries. FIA’s New Board for 2014 was declared as – President: Onkar Singh Sangha; Executive Vice President: Dhitu Bhagwakar; Vice Presidents: Bharti Desai, Rita Shah, Surinder Kalra, Mukesh Shah, Ravi Kapoor; General Secretary:Shahid Rizvi, Neil Khot; Jt. Secretary: Sam Azeemuddin; Treasurer: Surinder Palia; Jt Treasurer: Raju Shah, Directors: Shital Daftari, Amit Desai, Ninad Daftari. The program started with the traditional lighting of the lamp in presence of a large number of City, State and Federal elected officials and well-known Community leaders. Indian national anthem was sung by the versatile singer Shreelakha Mohanty, and the American national anthem was sung by Ashika Sachdev who has been an American Idol Contestant. A beautiful group dance was performed by Mudra Dance Academy on the music of the famous song Vande Matram by A.R. Rehman. The dance was choreographed by Kshama Shah. FIA […]

Chicago IL: Neither snow nor sleet of January 18, 2014 could dampen the spirit of the over 200 attendees who joined the Second Annual Lohri celebration hosted by the United Punjabis of America (UPA) at Ashyana Banquet in Downers Grove, Illinois. In keeping with joyous occasion, the audience came prepared to enjoy an evening of great festivity, fantastic Punjabi food and the rhythms of Bhangra music. Welcoming the audience, Manohar Sharma, the president of UPA, remarked on the significance of the festival of Lohri and the goodwill among people that it nurtures. Dharam Punwani, a member of the Board, reiterated the mission of UPA to be “preserving the rich Punjabi heritage, enhancing and strengthening the Punjabi community, and becoming a positive force for enhancing our neighborhoods, cities, states, country and the world”. Serving as the hosts of the evening, Om Dhingra and Pratibha Jairath kept the program flowing with charm and humor. The entertainment started with the singing of Sunder Mundariye led by Shammi Mittal, Pratibha and Ramesh Malhan. Then the audience was treated to a beautiful dance by young girls to a medley of Bollywood songs that was followed by an equally delightful dance by two of the mothers […]

Chicago, IL: Hari Om Mandir located at 6N020 Medinah Rd, Medinah, IL celebrated Lohri with traditional cultural dance and Bonfire on Saturday, January 12, 2014. The festival of Lohri was celebrated on 12th of January with traditional fervor and enthusiasm. The devotees witnessed a lively night of blazing bonfire. Lohri was distinguished to honor the day of harvesting crop. The time was considered very auspicious and special to a farmer as it rewarded him of his toil all the year round. A week before the Lohri preparations started including decorating the Mandir. A nicely decorated Punjabi Beda (Village) was created by Shastri Yogesh Pandya, Pt. Dinesh Kumar, Vikrant , Babu and Suchitra Sarkar; giving the real feeling of being in a Punjabi pind. It was decorated with Straw blocks, Chullah, Charkha (Spinning wheel), fresh vegetables, and 6 foot long sugar canes and many small decorative items creating a Punjabi village atmosphere. Lohri is also one of the most celebrated harvest festival in Punjab. It is the time for people to thank God for his kindness and for a plentiful harvest in the coming season. It is a time for communion celebration. A large number of devotees attended the Lohri function […]

Hoffman Estates, IL: Shree Jalaram Mandir located at 425, Illinois Blvd , Hoffman Estates , IL, celebrated 4th Volunteer Appreciation Day with Bollywood music on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 6:00 pm. A sentimental evening was performed by talented artists in filmy style with old and new songs, which made the whole atmosphere joyful. More than 235 volunteers enjoyed the special evening. Saturday, January 11, 2014, was a day to appreciate every single person who had devoted their time towards the Mandir’s progress. In honor of such commitment, Jalaram Mandir Board decided to have a beautiful way to say thanks to all the volunteers with a Musical night and splendid dinner. At present, Mandir has team of approximately 235 volunteers, who are involved in various activities and perform duties with all their heart. There are lots of Temple in Chicago however Shree Jalaram Mandir is only Mandir that celebrates Volunteer Appreciation dinner with Bollywood style music and mastic. Rajendra Thakkar who is the volunteer coordinator, assigns volunteers whenever necessary. He requested the executive board of the Mandir to organize this event to recognize all the volunteers for their tireless service. Several volunteers prepared decorations for this event. Prior to Musical […]

Chicago IL: Board of Trustees of Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago, unanimously elected their Chairman as Mr. Hemant Shah for the year 2014-1015, in the first Board meeting held on Tuesday, January 07, 2014. Established about 40 years ago, the Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) serves more than 1600 families with various religious, cultural and educational programs on 14+ acres beautiful campus with recently renovated temple and auditoriom facility in Chicago’s suburb, Bartlett. In a brief remark, newly elected Jain Society’s Chairman Mr. Hemant Shah expressed heartfelt thanks to the Board of Trustees along with Executive Committee for bestowing their faith and confidence in his leadership. He mentioned that with enthusiasm, structured efforts, commitment, teamwork and unity; together we can raise the bar for JSMC, as a great organization for Jain community’s religious and cultural need in Chicagoland area. With his passion and devoted community leadership, Hemant Shah has succesfully served as Membership Secretary, Vice President and Trustee of this organization. He is also serving on a executive board of North American Jain’s umbrella organisation JAINA, as a Vice-President for Mid-west region. Engineer by profession and serving in IT division of AT&T, Mr Shah is also affiliated with many […]

New Delhi: In the prestigious presence of President Honorable Pranab Mukherjee and founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni seminar was organized in Rashtrapati Bhawan to discuss 150th Anniversary Celebrations of Ambassador of peace and nonviolence renowned Jain Philosopher Shri Virchand Raghavji Gandhi. Prestigious Jain leaders Shri Subhash Oswal Senior Vice President of All Indian Jain Conference, Shri D.K. Jain (Luxar Group), Shri Mahesh Jain and Ms. Shobhna Jain graced the seminar with their presence. Founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni on the occasion said that Shri Vir Chand Raganv Ji Gandhi addressed the World Religion Parliament, Chicago in 1893 with Swamy Vivekanand Ji. Shri Gandhi has not only played important role in spreading the Jain philosophy internationally but also promoted Indian Culture in different parts of the world. He successfully removed the false believes about Indian Culture. Shri Gandhi knew 14 Indian languages; along with Jain Religion he had deep knowledge of different religions and western Philosophy. In those days he helped Indians by sending help from America during drought. He greatly served the spiritual world by removing slaughter housed from Shri Samedshikhar Tirtha for its purity and by making Shatrunjay Thirtha tax free. […]

Chicago IL: The Federation of Indian Association, Chicago, Il (FIA ) announced its new Executive Board for the year 2014-2015 unanimously approved by all the members present with Onkar Sangha as it’s President (Elect)at India House Banquets on 12/21/2013. Sunil Shah Founder and Past President of FIA, Chicago,Il congratulated the new board and introduced them individually and the names are as follows: President: Onkar Singh Sangha, Executive Vice President: Dhitu Bhagwakar, Vice Presidents: Bharti Desai, Rita Shah, Surinder Kalra, Mukesh Shah, Ravi Kapoor, , General Secretary: Neil Khot, Jt Secretary: Sam Azeemuddin, Treasurer: Surinder Palia, Jt Treasurer: Raju Shah, Directors: Shital Daftari, Amit Desai. Sunil Shah mentioned that new team is extremely competent and excited to work united and are looking forward to organize several beautiful events in the upcoming year. Onkar Sangha invited everyone to join in celebration of 65th Republic Day of India held at Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows, IL on 01/25/2014 at 6.30 pm. The Gala Banquet Dinner would comprise of Beautiful Hindi Play ” Dastak ” Live Musical Orchestra, Colorful cultural entertainment programs. General Secretary Neil Khot proposed vote of Thanks. Picture #1 MemberNot seen in the picture are: Founding Committee Member Sunny Kular, Sayed, Outgoing […]

Chicago IL: Hari Om Mandir celebrated the New Year 2014 with 24 hours Akhand Ramayan Path. At 11.55pm on 31st Dec. the Ram Dhun was chanted by all the devotees present in the hall in full enthusiasm to say goodbye to 2013 and to welcome the New Year 2014. At midnight all the devotees greeted each other and sweets were distributed to all as Prasad by temple priest. Even though New Year was on the weekday, we experienced an unprecedented number of devotees who visited the temple and celebrated the New Year with the bhog of Akhand Ramayan Path. As usual Mr. Subhash Sharma took the responsibility of the 24 hours Akhand Ramayan Path. The sponsors were Subhash and Kiran Sharma and Salwan family. Both priests- Shastri Yogesh Pandya and Pandit Dinesh Kumar did the super job of decorating the Darbar. Hari Om Parivar extends its best wishes for the peaceful, healthy, happy and successful New Year – 2014 to everyone in the community. In the congregation, BOT Chairman Mr. Ayodhia Salwan announced the name of the new president Mr. Indrajit Sarkar. He welcomed him saying “ Mr. Sarkar is a very devoted and hardworking individual. I encourage him to […]

Chicago IL: After successfully hosting ‘Chicago Indian Icon’, the Indian Event management conducted a Charismatic concert featuring the man popularly known as the ‘Indian King of Disco’ – Bappi Lahiri performing first time for a New Year’s Eve event in Chicago at Ashyana Banquets. The five members of the Indian Event Management team, Brij Sharma (President), Pratibha Jairath (Vice President), Sharan Walia (Director of Planning and Management), Raju Bankapur (Director of Entertainment and Execution), Anoop Walia (Director of Public Relations and Business Services) have worked very hard and once again, made their mark by this New Year Eve event with Bappi Lahiri. The program started with a few songs by Chicago Indian Icon Singers Praveen Jaligama and Dr. Jency Elakkatt Akkalat. This was followed by Anoop Walia of the IEM Team who brought people to the dance floor with his two songs Yeh kaali kaali ankhen and Na Na Na Re. The Dance Team performance by Noman Khan and team was breadth taking. Not before long, at 9:40, the hall was bursting with excitement of the announcement of Bappi Da arriving on stage and the Saregama Orchestra’s Intro music of Pag Ghungroo Baandh.. Bappi Da was escorted through the Audience […]

Chicago IL: Live2U organized a splendid New Year’s Eve celebration on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at India House Banquets, 521 W Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL. This event consisted of a Lounge Style Party, Hot & Sizzling Bollywood item girls, Brazilian Dancers, Belly dancers, 110 items Cruise Style Food, Open Premium Bar, VIP Lounge, DJ by Mr. Shaw, elegant stage decorations, Special Light effects, Excellent sound system and a Special India House Banquet Layout for the Best Party Ever. Audiences were house full despite awful weather in Chicago. Live 2U is an Entertainment Power House Specializing and Conceptualizing Live Shows and Concerts, Plays in USA and Canada featuring the most sought after Celebrities in the Indian and Pakistani Entertainment Industry, one that is vibrant and full of life. Live2U and India House joined together to organize this New Year Eve celebration with the best music, entertainment, food to welcome the New Year. The highlight of the show were the Brazilian dancers who danced to Samba music which is popular in Brazil. There is actually a set of dances, rather than a single dance, that define the Samba dancing scene in Brazil; The dance simply follows the beat of the music and […]

Rolling Meadows, IL: Inclement Weather and hazardous driving conditions did little to dampen the spirit and enthusiasm of a packed house at the Meadows Club NYE Gala, Dance Masti here on December 31st. The Gala sizzled with some well choreographed performances by visiting celebs Jay Bhanushali, the effervescent host of Zee TVs Dance India Dance and the lovely Mahhi Vij, an actress and winner of Star TVs Nach Balliye 5. They were accompanied by an energetic and inspired group of dancers from Atlanta’s Prem’s Dance Studio and Chicago’s own Arabian dancing stars Megan Hartman, Jessica Beuckman and Eliza Perry. Backed by an exciting light and sound arrangement by the Meadows Club and Tantrixx the grand ballroom was a sight to behold. “This was the best New Year’s party ever”, gushed Padma Madireddy who attended the event with a group of over 70 people . “ Words cannot express how much fun we had. The idea of the second stage in the center and the food and was so great. Hats off for all your hard work ”, she added. The classy ambience with superb lighting and innovative center stage along with the main stage for performances came in for a […]

Chicago IL: Federation of Indian Associations-Chicago [FIA] elected an energized new team as their governing executive board for the year 2014-2015 with Keerthi Kumar Ravoori as its new president at their general body meeting held on Sunday December 1, 2013 at North Shore Banquets, Devon Ave, in Chicago. Keerthi Kumar Ravoori known for his grass-roots community leadership who gained credit and approbation for his long-standing tenure of devoted stewardship for FIA-Chicago has been convincingly elected with unequivocal unanimity by its diverse membership organizations. After meticulously screening the membership and nomination forms with adherence to the bye-laws, the Election Committee comprising of Anil Pillai [Chair] Ajai Agnihotri and Sitaram Patel duly declared the following members of the Executive Board for 2014-2015: Keerthi Kumar Ravoori, President Chandresh Brahmbhatt, Executive Vice President Sanhita Agnihotri, Secretary Dr. Indrajit Patel, Vice President Minhaj Akhtar, Vice President Sateeshan Nair, Vice President Harish Kolasani, Joint Secretary Ankur Chaudary, Treasurer Ajeet Singh, Joint Treasurer Veenod Patel has been chosen as Executive Director. Newly elected FIA President-elect Keerthi Kumar Ravoori – in his brief remarks – expressed heartfelt thanks to the FIA Executive Board, Trustees and Directors for bestowing their unswerving faith and confidence to take up the reigns […]

Chicago IL: Vivekananda Vedanta Society (VVS) of Chicago hosted a two-day conference at the downtown Hilton from November 10, 2013 to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of its illustrious founder, who introduced Hinduism to America through his electrifying address on September 11, 1893 before the World Parliament of Religions (WPR) in Chicago. Attended by fifty monastics from around the world, the second day reached out to other major religions and also sought to recontextualize the Swami’s message and mission within the wider fabric of Hindu traditions. VVS Chicago Minister-in-Charge and Convener Swami Ishatmananda read out the blessings of Ramakrishna Mission President Swami Atmasthananda, who emphasized the contemporary universality of India’s ancient teachings. The full day proceedings were emceed by Octavia Harrison, an Afro-American VVS devotee since the early 70s. Conveying the blessings of Mata Amritanandamayi, Swami Dayamrita delivered an inspired speech on SV’s continuing relevance. SV “was a perfect blend of mental purity and vitality. Take up one idea, make that one idea your life, think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, and every part of your body be full of that idea and just leave every other idea alone. That is […]

Chicago IL: A gathering of over 100 people celebrated old and new Bollywood songs on Saturday November 16, 2013 at Masti Grill & Karaoke, 2948 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL. This sold out event started at 7PM and went on till 1:30AM with non-stop Bollywood songs being sang by 20 singers. Both amateurs and professional singers pleased the crowd for hours. Increasing popularity is evident in the increase in participants in this event. People participated from different suburbs of Chicago, southern Illinois and neighboring states of Wisconsin, Indiana and even Florida. The $20 admission fee included a full buffet of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes and over 5 hours of musical entertainment. Masti entertainment has his own venue which is Masti Grill & Karaoke Restaurant so all events will be held at this location. The evening started at 7:00 PM with an introduction-Dr Siraj Ahmed, an emcee along with our co-emcee Jeen Varghese. The first hour was open for the audience to show their hidden talents. Such talents included Sal Merchant, Nandini, Shaz, Virendra Kothari, Mohan, Rafi, Ishaan, Mustiaq and not to mention Moin with his beautiful Poetry which stole audiences heart. Also included was a social hour featuring some tasty […]

Carol Stream, IL: Republican Party is truly going all out to reach out to the minority and ethnic communities to build a new coalition. The occasion was to celebrate Diwali, Jain New Year, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Bharatiya New Year and Jai Bharat and Modi Vision the campaign of Manju Goel, a first generation Indian American, for U.S. Congress by Manju and Rajeev Goel Family supported by Bharatiya Senior Citizens of Chicago. The event was held from 1-00 to 8-00 pm on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Rana- Reagan Community Center located at 343 St. Paul Blvd Carol Stream IL. This event was full of activity, entertainment, fun and food. Alka Tyler introduced Manju Goel as the voice of the people and the voice of common sense. She highlighted her personal experience in the healthcare industry as a big asset to the Indian American population, who, disproportionate to their population, represent 8% of all physicians in the country. Manju told the cheering crowd: “I ‘m running for congress because America is on the wrong track. We’re spending $1.35 for every $1.00 we bring in. We’re discouraging rather than encouraging entrepreneurs and job creators with burdensome regulations. I am deeply concerned about […]